How Newly Registered Companies Are Becoming Soft Targets for Scammers in 2025
Starting a new business is exciting, but in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, it comes with new and unexpected risks. Among these is a growing trend that sees newly registered companies becoming soft targets for scammers. From fake invoices to phishing emails, these fraudsters know exactly where to strike and when.
In 2025, the threat has only intensified, with scam tactics becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. In this detailed guide, we uncover the ways scammers are targeting new startups, why they do it, and what preventive measures every founder should adopt from day one.
Why Are Newly Registered Companies Easy Targets?
Scammers go after new companies for a simple reason: they’re vulnerable. Here’s why:
- Lack of experience: New business owners may not have enough experience identifying fraudulent activity.
- Limited security protocols: Early-stage startups often don’t have IT security systems in place.
- Publicly available data: MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) registration details are publicly accessible, allowing scammers to filter and target companies based on registration date, industry, and location.
- Overloaded founders: Founders are usually juggling multiple responsibilities, and may overlook suspicious communications.
Most Common Scams Targeting Newly Registered Companies
1. Fake Legal Notices & Compliance Emails
Scammers send emails or physical letters posing as government authorities, demanding a payment for compliance or registration under fictitious laws.
Case: A startup in Pune received a letter demanding payment of ₹5000 to register under a non-existent “National Startup Compliance Authority.” It included a fake government seal and signature.
Protection Tip: Always consult your CA or legal advisor before making payments based on external requests.
2. Phishing Emails Mimicking MCA or GST Portals
New companies receive emails resembling official MCA or GST updates, urging them to click on links to update KYC or business information. These links lead to malware or data theft.
Protection Tip: Visit government portals directly instead of clicking on embedded links in emails.
3. Fake Reviews and Listing Scams
Within weeks of registration, startups are approached by third parties offering to add them to paid business directories, review websites, or PR coverage in exchange for money.
Case: A newly opened digital agency in Indore paid ₹10,000 to be listed on a directory that never existed.
Protection Tip: Verify domain legitimacy using WHOIS and search engines before trusting new listing platforms.
4. Trademark Registration Scams
Fraudsters target companies with fresh names and logos, offering fast-tracked or mandatory trademark registration, charging fees for fake or unnecessary services.
Case: A Bengaluru startup received a call from someone posing as a “Trademark Bureau Officer,” demanding ₹20,000 for urgent registration.
Protection Tip: Trademark registration can be done via the official IP India website or through verified IP attorneys.
5. Fake Job Applications & Resumes with Malware
HR departments of new companies receive fake job applications with malware-laced attachments.
Protection Tip: Use antivirus and email security filters. Never open attachments from unknown senders.
6. Social Media Impersonation
Scammers create look-alike social media profiles using the startup’s name and logo to scam customers or vendors.
Protection Tip: Immediately verify your business on major platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook). Set up Google Alerts for brand mentions.
7. Fake Investment Pitches and Funding Offers
Early-stage founders may receive lucrative funding offers that seem too good to be true, asking for processing or legal fees upfront.
Case: A SaaS startup received a fake proposal from an investor claiming to represent a Singaporean VC firm, asking for ₹1.5 lakh as “international documentation fees.”
Protection Tip: Always verify investors through LinkedIn, Crunchbase, and business directories.
8. IT and Software Purchase Scams
Fake vendors approach startups offering software licenses at discounts. Once the money is paid, the vendor disappears.
Protection Tip: Buy software only from authorized resellers or the official website.
9. Fake Awards and Recognition Scams
“You’ve been selected for the Emerging Startup Award 2025” — sounds exciting, right? But it’s often a scam with a registration or trophy fee of ₹5,000-15,000.
Protection Tip: If you didn’t apply for the award, it’s probably fake. Research the award organizers before paying.
10. Fake CA or Legal Assistance Services
Impostors pose as chartered accountants or legal consultants, offering to file GST, ROC, or income tax at discounted rates, only to disappear with sensitive data and money.
Protection Tip: Always check credentials on ICAI or LinkedIn. Prefer local or referred professionals.
How Scammers Get Your Information
Scammers don’t need to hack systems to get your data. Here’s how they find you:
- MCA portal listings (publicly available)
- Domain registration info (WHOIS)
- Social media presence
- Job postings
- Startup directories
How to Protect Your New Business from Scams
1. Use a Professional CA or Consultant
Ensure all compliance and registration tasks are handled by trusted, registered professionals.
2. Secure Your Digital Infrastructure
- Use business email IDs with 2FA
- Keep antivirus and firewall software updated
- Avoid free file-sharing tools for sensitive documents
3. Train Your Team
Educate all employees on identifying phishing, social engineering, and fake invoices.
4. Verify Everything
From funding proposals to awards and third-party listings, make it a policy to verify all external offers before acting.
5. Report Scams
- cybercrime.gov.in
- Local police cyber cells
Final Words
Scammers are evolving, and unfortunately, they see new companies as low-hanging fruit. If you’ve just registered your business or know someone who has, this blog is your must-read manual to avoid being defrauded. By staying alert, verifying sources, and securing your processes, you can focus on growth while staying safe.
Don’t let your startup story begin with a scam. Share this blog to raise awareness in your entrepreneurial community.
Share this content:
Post Comment